France and Germany are doing the expected. They are presenting their own, alternative version of President Bush's Greater Middle East plan to the EU Presidency Read about it here.

And if you've been following the news, you are aware the EU's Javier Solana has also had some negative things to say about Bush's plan. However, Solana -- also as expected -- has been more diplomatic in his choice of words.

As I've been reporting, the competition between the US and EU over control of the Middle East is growing. And although on the surface they appear to be working together, below the surface there is a battle raging.

President Bush wants to bring freedom and democracy to the troubled region. The EU leaders are taking a stand against this idea. Why? Are they against freedom and democracy? I don't think so. I think they simply don't like America being involved in the first place. So, they're doing the expected -- they're taking an opposing side to whatever America wants to do.

But like I said, Solana is too shrewd to show all his cards. He knows he still needs America to accomplish his long term goals for the Mediterranean. But, he also needs the EU member states. So, Solana is playing the role of the man in the middle. You could say, Solana's office is what bonds this fragile alliance over the Mid-east between the EU and the US together.

Yet I believe the day may soon come when Solana, or some future High Representative, will show his cards. And when he does, it won't be what is expected by the unbelieving world. But of course, that won't be the case for us.

For us he'll be doing the expected.